Sara loses right to reply if summons ignored - Carpio

Vice President Sara Duterte would effectively waive her right to answer the charges against her if she does not reply to the writ of summons issued by the Senate impeachment court, according to retired associate justice Antonio Carpio.

- By DAPHNE GALVEZ

"It will not stop the proceedings (if she does not reply). She can still present evidence, but she lost the right to file an answer," he said in an interview over dzBB yesterday.

The 10-day period given by the impeachment court to answer the summons lapsed on June 21, but since it fell on a Saturday, Duterte can file her reply until today.

Carpio, however, said it is up to the Senate of the 20th Congress if they will allow Duterte to present evidence past the deadline.